Unveiling Spotify Hifi 2024

In a world where music is an integral part of our lives, the demand for high-quality audio streaming experiences has been steadily rising. As we venture into 2024, Spotify, one of the leading music streaming platforms, is set to revolutionise the industry with its much-anticipated Spotify HiFi.

Things to Know About Spotify HiFi 2024

Spotify HiFi

Spotify HiFi, announced in February 2021, is an upgrade for Premium users to enhance sound qualit

y. The upgrade offers a “CD-quality, lossless audio format,” implying 16-bit depth and a 44.1kHz sampling rate.

Lossless Audio Streaming

The term “lossless” is crucial, ensuring the audio stream retains all the original sonic details from the source. Spotify’s current standard is 320Kbps audio in the “lossy” Ogg Vorbis format, which involves compression and loss of detail for bandwidth efficiency.

Artist's Intention

The main appeal is that listeners experience music exactly as intended by artists, as highlighted in a video featuring Billie Eilish and Finneas praising the virtues of lossless audio streaming.

Spotify HiFi Release Updates

Release Date Speculations

Spotify HiFi, the long-anticipated CD-quality streaming service, was announced over two years ago and promised to launch in 2021, but there have been delays. Despite the delay, Spotify confirmed that it is still coming and might be called Spotify Supremium.

Additional Features

When launched, Spotify HiFi will allow Premium subscribers to upgrade for higher-quality, lossless audio streams through Spotify Connect. There are rumors that HiFi streaming could be part of a ‘Platinum’ or ‘Supremium’ service with additional features like playlists, podcasts, and usability.

Spotify HiFi 2024 Announcements

Stream On Event Speculation

Speculation about Spotify HiFi announcement at Stream On event on March 8. Instead, the presentation focused on creator tools, user features, and new programming.

Introduction of DJ - Spotify's AI-powered DJ

Introduction of a TikTok-inspired scrollable layout and additional Spotify exclusive podcasts. Official launch of the AI DJ app in the UK and Ireland. AI DJ app adds an MC, blends, and algorithmic personalization to playlists.

What is ‘Supremium’?

In September 2023, a Reddit user uncovered information within the code of the Spotify app regarding a new tier called ‘Supremium‘, potentially including the unveiling of a logo.

Why Spotify HiFi Delay?

Despite hopes for a 2021 release, as of the end of 2023, Spotify HiFi is still not available. CEO Daniel Ek cited licensing negotiations and ongoing dialogue with music labels as reasons for the delay.

Price Predictions For Spotify HiFi

Several competitors in the music streaming industry already provide CD-quality subscription tiers priced around £11 / $11 / AU$13 per month. Despite Spotify’s popularity and existing subscriber base, the success may hinge on its pricing strategy.

Free Trial of Spotify HiFi

Spotify is likely to introduce a free trial for Spotify HiFi in 2024. The trial is expected to be available for both existing Spotify Premium users seeking to upgrade and new users who may have hesitated due to the service’s lack of higher-quality audio.

Quality of Spotify HiFi

Lossless Audio Format

HiFi subscribers on Spotify will experience music in a lossless audio format with CD quality. Lossless audio bitrates can reach around 1411kbps, offering a significant upgrade from the existing Spotify Premium quality capped at 320kbps.

Technical Details and Comparison with Competitors

Spotify has not yet disclosed the technical specifics of its higher-quality streams. Comparison with competitors like Tidal and Qobuz who offer higher bitrates.

Spotify HiFi Device Compatibility

CD-quality streams on Spotify HiFi are confirmed to be compatible with Spotify Connect. Bluetooth aptX and aptX HD can also stream in CD-quality. Spotify is collaborating with major speaker manufacturers globally to enhance Spotify HiFi accessibility.

Spotify HiFi Catalogue

While specific information on the lossless CD-quality song selection is awaited, it is anticipated to be in the tens of millions, a figure likely to be shared with industry competitors.

Smart and Versatile Catalogue

Beyond its extensive library, Spotify is renowned for the intelligence, versatility, and presentation of its catalogue.

Podcast Investments

In addition to its music offerings, Spotify has made significant investments in podcasts.

Ongoing Updates

Further Five Things To Know About Spotify HiFi are awaited, and updates will be provided as soon as available.

Conclusion

Spotify HiFi 2024 emerges as a frontrunner in the high-fidelity streaming landscape. With its commitment to quality, user experience, and industry partnerships, Spotify continues to shape the future of music consumption.